Have a special occasion coming up where you want to go all out? Dressing up is half the fun of a girl’s night out, or a high school reunion party. But if people are used to seeing you look well put together, how do you go the extra mile?
Here are some tips that will make you the belle of the ball, from the tips of your fingers to your glass slippers and more.
- First things first: Amp up your smile.
According to Dr. Arun Garg, a dental implant specialist in Miami, “Your smile should be a masterpiece of form and function. And everyone knows that a warm, radiant, natural smile is one of the best expressions of confidence and character.”
This means that if you have not had a whitening session in a while, now is the time to schedule an appointment. Depending on the amount of time prior to the big event, you may want to consider more extensive dental work. Such as porcelain veneers, or switching out bridges for dental implants. Being able to smile with full confidence can enhance your self-esteem, which will affect how you come across to others.
- Pick a theme when choosing an outfit.
Even before you begin to shop for an outfit, choose a theme. Having a theme can inspire the rest of your fashion choices. It will also give you ideas for accessories that may not have come to you if you simply chose an outfit and had your hair done.
Need inspiration for a theme? Look at your favorite films or TV shows. Are they all historicals? From what time period? Are you going for a 1920s Jazz Age look? With a short bob, red lips, and a sequined dress? (Think The Great Gatsby.) Or maybe you adore the 1960s Betty Draper look, with the cinched waist and full skirt. (Watch a few episodes of Mad Men.) Or do you have a favorite book? When was it set? Consider the fashion from that period. Playing dress up can be twice as fun when you make your outfit choices align with your personal fetish. Check out celebrity red carpet photos for themes done well. You will note that celebs who ace the red carpet have the whole look down. Everything goes together.
- Next, the outfit.
With a theme firmly in mind, browse for outfits that match. If you have an idea of the type of dress you want, but no idea where to purchase it at a price point that is reasonable, don’t despair. Do you have a fashion-conscious friend? Enlist their help. Or put a collection of photos on your phone, and then hit up a mall. Browse. Show the pictures to sales staff and ask for their recommendations. If all else fails, hire a personal shopper to help you.
- Go for a different hairstyle.
Going for a big impression means that you will want to consider a change in hairstyle. Now is the time to try out that outstanding hairdo you saw but never had occasion to try out. Note that this does not necessarily mean a haircut or dying your hair. You could get extensions, or wear a full or partial wig to achieve the length and color you want. Put on your detective hat and look for hairstyles that flatter your face and the theme that you have chosen.
- Choose shoes that allow you to shine.
Often a girl’s footwear is the last item on the dress up list, but it is one that is worth paying attention to. Having the right shoes for your outfit can make or break your entire look. But not only that, killer shoes should not kill you to wear them.
Some tips to find shoes that will protect your feet:
- Never buy shoes you can’t try on or return.
- Shoe sizes are not standard across all makers. A size 7 from one brand might be a different fit from another.
- The material of the shoe matters and will affect how soft or hard they are against your feet. (In other words, how long you’ll last in them.)
If you want to look and feel like a sparkling princess all night, then your shoes need to not only look fantastic, but they also need to be comfortable to wear. It’s a tall order but worth it when you track down the right pair that wonโt have you bowing out before the clock strikes midnight.